OAKLAND — California Attorney General Rob Bonta, Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell and Washington Attorney General Nick Brown co-led a multistate coalition of attorneys general in sending a letter to the U.S. Senate Environment and Public Works Committee and the U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee on Wednesday regarding the proposed Bipartisan American Affordability and Jobs Act of 2026. The coalition includes Arizona, California, Delaware, Idaho, Illinois, Massachusetts, Maine, Oregon, Vermont and Washington.

The letter states that the coalition commends the legislation’s goals but expresses substantial concerns with the bill as currently drafted. It states that without amendment, some of the bill’s provisions would unnecessarily intrude upon states’ rights, harm critical resources and create uncertainty.

The letter states that the states possess significant existing authority under the Clean Water Act and National Historic Preservation Act that the bill would undermine. It also states that the states regularly participate in National Environmental Policy Act and Endangered Species Act processes that would be affected by the bill, and that the bill’s permitting certainty provisions would impact countless projects in the coalition states.

The letter states that the bill’s provisions would add to historical inequities and limit the ability of states and Indigenous peoples to ensure environmental and public health protections. "As I’ve said before, building a clean energy future is a team effort that requires everyone — Republican and Democrat — to step off the sidelines. While the goals of the bill are noble, the legislation as drafted would undermine progress by reducing state authority to safeguard our resources and communities," Bonta said.

Bonta added that he understands the importance of sharing perspectives and working to build laws that work for everyone. "With this letter, we aim to do just that. We will work tirelessly to build an energy future on behalf of Americans, not Big Oil," he said. The letter states that the coalition will continue to engage with stakeholders on the details of the legislation to share additional perspectives and adjustments to ensure appropriate environmental and public health protections.

Why It Matters

The Bipartisan American Affordability and Jobs Act of 2026 was introduced by a bipartisan group of lawmakers with the goal of reducing energy costs, creating jobs, and promoting clean energy and environmentally responsible growth. Bonta is a member of the Democratic Party, as is Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell. Primary source: oag.ca.gov